Many programs for World Water Day

by Omar Rajarathnam

Nearly 17 percent of the country’s population do not have access to clean water and we have been providing them with water through our bowser facility, Secretary to the Ministry of Water Supply and Drainage, A. Abeygunasekera told the Sunday Observer . “We aim to make clean water accessible to people who are deprived of it,” he said.

The Ministry is teaming up with UNICEF to commemorate the World Water Day on March 22 under this year’s theme ‘Water and Urbanisation’.

A procession will begin from Vihara Maha Devi Park and end at the Independence Square with the participation of many organisations and various public groups. A series of awareness programs will be held at the BMICH later to educate people on the importance of using water responsibly.

Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne will be the Chief Guest at this event while Minister of Water Supply and Drainage Dinesh Gunawardana will present awards to the three top all island community-based organisations on their water-related projects.

Winners of school essay competitions in Sinhala, Tamil and English in both junior and senior categories and art competitions will also receive certificates from the Minister, the Secretary said. Officials from the Water Board will perform skits based on this year’s theme.

Many other awareness programs such as presentations and demonstrations on water conservation and measures of minimising wastage will also be held.

The importance of rain water harvesting as a method of reducing wastage will be re-iterated and a lecture on the link between kidney diseases and drinking water will also be delivered by a professor from a leading university,” said Abeygunasekera.

“The best consumer service units of the Water Board will be recognised on this day to acknowledge their commitment in ensuring safe water access to the community” he said.